5.1 The CERCHAR test and associated CAI were developed at a time of more demand for application of mechanical excavation machines at the Laboratoire du Center d' Études et Recherches des Charbonnages de France (CERCHAR) (5). CAI is used to assess the abrasiveness of rock for mechanical excavation. Rock abrasiveness governs the performance of disc cutters, the rate of its replacement and therefore subsequent tunnel costs. Advances in methods of underground excavation, in particular the use of the tunnel boring machine (TBM), necessitates knowledge of rock abrasiveness. Abrasiveness expresses a behavioral characteristic of rock rather than a fundamental physical or mechanical property.

5.2 CAI tests were originally carried out on natural broken surfaces. In heterogeneous rock types such as conglomerates, coarse grained granite or schistose rock, suitable fresh test surfaces are not achieved by mechanical breakage using a hammer. In these cases CAI values for “smooth” surfaces cut with a diamond saw are acceptable for use but shall be normalized by Eq 2 or Eq 3 before they can be reported (4).

5.3 The test velocity for the Original CERCHAR apparatus is approximately 10 mm/s and 1 mm/s for the West CERCHAR apparatus. The CAI values obtained for both testing velocities (4) are estimated to be equal.

Note 1: The quality of the result produced by these practices is dependent upon the competence of the personnel performing it and the suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective testing and sampling. Users of these practices are cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself assure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice D3740 provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the abrasiveness of rock by the CERCHAR Abrasiveness Index (CAI) method. The test method consists of measuring the wear on the tip of steel stylus with a cone shape and known Rockwell Hardness, caused by scratching against a freshly broken or saw cut rock surface for a prescribed 10 mm distance using one of the two test apparatus.

1.2 This test method is intended for freshly broken rock surfaces; however, saw cut surfaces are covered for when a satisfactory rock surface cannot be obtained.

1.3 The Rockwell Hardness (HR) of the stylus can have a profound effect on the results. The focus of this test method is an HRC value of 55 for every test (1, 2).2 However, there are situations where styli with different Rockwell Hardness can be used. Therefore, this test method includes discussions on stylus with different Rockwell Hardness.

1.3.1 The Rockwell hardness (HR) value is based on the indentation hardness of a material. The Rockwell test, E18, measures the depth of penetration of an indenter under a large load (major load) compared to the penetration made by a preload (minor load). (3) There are different scales, denoted by a single letter (A to F), that use different loads or indenters. The result is a dimensionless number noted as HRA, HRB, HRC, etc., where the last letter is the respective Rockwell scale which in this test method is the scale C, which is for harden‐steel.

1.4 Basically, the CERCHAR test is a measurement of the relative different hardness of stylus tip and rock specimen surface. The stylus tip is made of steel having a known Rockwell Hardness. Experiments have shown that CAI varies inversely with stylus hardness. Test results with the same steel type stylus but with different hardness need to be normalized to standard stylus hardness (2).

1.5 The scratch distance shall be limited to 10 mm. In general, 85 % of the stylus wear occurs during the first 2 mm of scratch’s length. The remaining 15 % of the stylus wear occurs during the last 8 mm of the scratch’s length. Therefore, minor variation in the scratch’s length from test to test doesn’t significantly affect the total stylus wear and the resulting CAI when variation in scratch length is kept between ±0.5 mm in length (3).

1.6 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D6026.

1.6.1 The procedures used to specify how data are collected/recorded or calculated, in this standard are regarded as the industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the significant digits that generally should be retained. The procedures used do not consider material variation, purpose for obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any considerations for the user's objectives; and it is common practice to increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to be commensurate with these considerations. It is beyond the scope of this standard to consider significant digits used in analysis methods for engineering design.

1.7 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.9 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.